Symptoms of Clinical Depression

Causes of Depression

Symptoms of Clinical Depression

Depression is a serious health condition affecting millions of people each year.

Depressive disorders makes a person feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. It can interfere with a person's ability to function effectively throughout the day or even to have the motivation to get out of bed in the morning.

Depression is NOT a sign of weakness or failure. It does not involve pulling oneself up by their bootstraps and getting on with life. It is an illness just as diabetes. Therefore, it is extremely important to be aware of the symptoms of clinical depression.

Everyone will experience feelings of sadness at some stage of their lives and, as such, it is referred to as "depression."

However, there is a vast difference between clinical depression and sadness. Sadness is a part of human life, a natural reaction to painful circumstances. Depression, however, is a physical illness with many more symptoms than an unhappy mood.

So, what does clinical depression mean? More importantly, what makes depression symptoms clinical?

First of all, "clinical" depression is a term used in the medical field to describe the more severe, persistent form of depression. As such, it is based on the presence of following symptoms lasting for two weeks or more as well as experiencing five of the eight symptoms.

Based on the National Mental Health Association the following are symptoms of clinical depression:

Symptoms of Clinical Depression:

Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood

Sleeping too much or too little, middle of the night or early morning waking

Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex

Restlessness, irritability

Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)

Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions

Fatigue or loss of energy

Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless

Thoughts of suicide or death

It's important to understand that clinical depression is REAL, common, and a treatable illness.

The above list of symptoms of clinical depression should be used as a guide to offer you information. However, we highly recommend that you not focus on how many symptoms you have, but instead, talk to a physician.

Symptoms of Clinical Depression ...

Cause of Depression

The exact cause for depression is not well understood, but there are several theories as to its origin. Moreover, there is probably no single cause that gives rise to the illness, meaning there are probably several factors working together that will lead a person to become depressed. Put simply, there are many factors that are likely to contribute to the development of depression such as psychological, biological, environmental and genetic.

The following are several factors that can play a role in the onset for depression:

One factor is biological changes in the chemistry of the brain due to imbalances of brain chemicals. Certain brain chemicals that governs mood such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine are thought to be involved.

Some depression runs in families and, as such, heredity is a significant factor in this disorder. This seems to be especially true for manic-depressive (bipolar) disorder.

Researchers believe environmental factors can trigger depression such as losing a loved one, divorce, job loss, financial crises, disabling illness or injury etc., especially in individuals already genetically predisposed. In addition, continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse etc. can also cause a person to be more vulnerable to the illness that is already susceptible to depression.

Psychological factors also play a role in this condition such as suffering from low esteem or easily overwhelmed by stress. Other psychological factors include people who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism.

Research also indicates that depression can also develop due to substance abuse or a reaction from a medication.

How is clinical depression symptoms treated?

Psychotherapy and medication are the two primary treatment approaches.

Are there natural alternatives for depression?

Yes, click here for natural herbs and nutrients that may help combat the symptoms of clinical depression. However, it's important that you speak to a physician first before taking any dietary supplements.

Help for Depression Hotlines

A national crisis hotline linked to local crisis centers is now available: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

1-800-799-4TTY (1- 800- 799-4889)

The Covenant House has a great program for youth (http://www.nineline.org).

To call Covenant House - there nine line 24/7 hotline is:

1-800-999-9999 (Covenant House)

TTY – 1-800-999-9915 (Covenant House)

The American Psychological Association (http://www.apa.org) has a link to find a Psychologist.

Psychiatric referrals are available through the American Psychiatric Association. Go to: http://www.healthyminds.org/locateapsychiatrist.cfm.

Medical referrals are available in the American Medical Association’s "Doctor Finder."

Local support groups are also available and are very helpful.

Remember to watch for the signs and save your life or the life of someone you love. It's vital that you reach out and
get the help you need for your friend, your family member, or yourself because you can't do it alone.

A Comprehensive Depression Product

After years of researching supplements, including depression supplements we have found an outstanding depression product that may be helpful. The product is called Neuro Natural Serenity from Xtend-Life Natural Products.

More specifically, Neuro Natural Serenity is a comprehensive formula made up of all natural ingredients - standardized herbal extracts, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other important nutrients to lift your mood and increase positive energy. In fact, Neuro Natural Serenity took more than 2 years of research and development and contains 43 active ingredients.

In addition, Neuro Natural Serenity is formulated by a highly credentialed scientific team that can blend these ingredients perfectly to ensure maximum benefits, but as importantly that do not interact adversely. The company also uses only standardized herbal extracts, the purest herbal extracts with the highest quality and therapeutic benefits, and they adhere to strict GMP compliance, which is the toughest in the industry.

All the ingredients in Neuro Natural Serenity are supported with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and, in addition, the company does a series of crosschecks before purchasing any raw ingredients that guarantees their potency and safety.